London debates: 1798

London Debating Societies: 1776-1799. Originally published by London Record Society, London, 1994.

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Citation:

'London debates: 1798', in London Debating Societies: 1776-1799, ed. Donna T Andrew( London, 1994), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/london-record-soc/vol30/pp371-384 [accessed 23 November 2024].

'London debates: 1798', in London Debating Societies: 1776-1799. Edited by Donna T Andrew( London, 1994), British History Online, accessed November 23, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/london-record-soc/vol30/pp371-384.

"London debates: 1798". London Debating Societies: 1776-1799. Ed. Donna T Andrew(London, 1994), , British History Online. Web. 23 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/london-record-soc/vol30/pp371-384.

2122. January 1, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Was the following Assertion of that illustrious Statesman Mr. Fox founded on Truth - It is not the particular Form of Government, but the integrity of its Rulers, that constitutes the Happiness of a People?'

Morning Chronicle December 28, 1797

2123. January 4, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Was the following Assertion of that illustrious Statesman Mr. Fox founded on Truth - It is not the particular Form of Government, but the integrity of its Rulers, that constitutes the Happiness of a People?'

Morning Chronicle

2124. January 8, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Was the following Assertion of that illustrious Statesman Mr. Fox founded on Truth - It is not the particular Form of Government, but the integrity of its Rulers, that constitutes the Happiness of a People? A polite and numerous Audience decided that the particular Form of Government, and not the integrity of its Rulers, constitutes the Happiness of a People.'

Morning Chronicle

2125. January 11, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Have Parents any justifiable right to controul the Affections of their Children?

The audience decided, almost unanimously, that parents are not justifiable.'

Morning Chronicle

2126. January 15, 1798 Westminster Forum

POWER Of RELIGION On SOCIETY

'Can good Morals generally exist without Religious Motives?

The power of Religion, as it affects the morals of mankind, becomes doubly interesting in an age like this, when an infidel philosophy, under the specious mask of refinement, is attempting the annihilation of that divine system of morals, which has held mankind together in the bonds of amity for ages.'

Morning Chronicle

2127. January 18, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Does the personal existence of the Devil - the agency of Witchcraft and Infernal Spirits - together with the belief in Apparitions, form any part of the Christian System, or can they be supported by human reason and probability?'

Morning Chronicle

2128. January 22, 1798 Westminster Forum

HYPOCRISY and INFIDELITY

PAINE versus HUNTINGTON

'Which has been more injurious to the Christian Religion, the Publications and Preaching of William Huntington, or the Writings of Thomas Paine?

The Rev. Mr. Huntington, alias Hunt; alias Parson Sack, alias the Archbishop of Titchfield-street, alias the Coal-heaver, alias the Viper, alias the Spiritual Blackguard, &c. &c. having preached and published what he calls a Sermon on his Majesty going to St. Paul's (wherein he consigns the whole political world, who oppose Mr. Pitt, to eternal perdition, and abuses, without distinction or remorse, most of the great religious characters of this Metropolis) gave rise to the above question. It is not a little extraordinary that a man without learning, and who instead of possessing that piety and meekness, which should adorn the evangelical character, exhibits nought but the bitterness of a daemon the abuse of a Billingsgate - the effrontery of a Bartholomew Fair Conjuror, should dare to prophane the ministerial character, by pronouncing Mr. Fox in a state of damnation, the Rev. Mr. Cooper one of the Devil's Drummers, and Rev. Mr. J. Wesley now in hell, and himself almost the only Evangelical Minister in the island. We think it a duty to expose such a man - we thus publicly dare him to attend the debate, where he can be answered, and not to issue his venom alone from the pulpit, where he is protected from replication.'

Morning Chronicle

2129. January 25, 1798 Westminster Forum

DESTRUCTION OF THE POPE

'Are there not abundant reasons to support the Belief, that the Pope is Antichrist, or the Man of Sin; and the French are the Instruments appointed by Providence for his Destruction?

The recent events transacted at Rome, must powerfully impress on the public mind the importance of the above question. Perhaps, at this moment the power of the Pope is overthrown; and "Babylon, the mother of Harlots, and the abomination of the earth, drunk with the blood of the Martyrs" is herself enduring the long predicted vengeance of the Almighty. Such would be the language of a Protestant on the occasion. We have, however, no objection to hear any Catholic defend his Church - we expect it from some Gentlemen who may attend. And only observe, that on a question of this nature, impartiality shall be our governing principle, we wish not to close our ears against conviction; but we think it a duty to ascertain the evidence of prophetic fulfillment.'

Morning Chronicle

2130. January 29, 1798 Westminster Forum

WHAT IS MARRIAGE

'Is not Marriage (notwithstanding all its Cares and Difficulties) the happiest State in which Man or Woman can be placed?

The above Question is presented under considerable expectations. It was enclosed in a letter from a respectable Tradesman of this City and his wife, who are now retiring on the honest savings of a life of industry. It states, that they have been married twenty-seven years, and never for one quarter of an hour repented their engagement.'

Morning Chronicle

2131. January 30, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which is the most striking characteristic of a Ladies' Man - Wit, Courage or Politeness?'

Morning Chronicle

2132. February 1, 1798 Westminster Forum

Rev. MR. TOPLADY'S SPEECH - SOULS of BRUTES

'Is the Opinion of the Rev. Mr. Matthew Henry, Mr. Toplady, and many eminent Divines and Philosophers, true or false, viz. It is highly probable that Brutes have Souls, and are equally entitled to Immortality with the Human Race?

In the course of the Evening, a speech delivered on this subject in the year 1773, by the Rev. Mr. Toplady, and which was found among his Manuscripts, will be read by a Gentleman. That great and good man there decidedly proves, by a variety of arguments, which we had almost pronounced unanswerable, that the Brute Creation is immortal.'

Morning Chronicle

2133. February 8, 1798 Westminster Forum

MARRIAGE IMPARTIALLY CONSIDERED

'Is not Marriage (notwithstanding all its cares and difficulties) the happiest State in which Man or Woman can be placed?'

Morning Chronicle

2134. February 12, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which is the greater outrage on Reason and Religion, and more destructive of the hopes and happiness of the human race, Mr. Paine's pronouncing "the Bible an History of Wickedness calculated to corrupt and brutalize Mankind"; or the assertion of the Rev. Mr. Huntington, "That every Jacobin will be damned"?'

Morning Chronicle February 8

2135. February 19, 1798 Westminster Forum

HELVETIUS, GODWIN, HOLCROFT, &C.

NEW SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

'Are not the writings of Helvetius, Godwin, Holcroft, and other Philosophers of the New School, calculated to destroy the Happiness of Mankind; and shake the foundation of all Civil Society?

In an age of scepticism, like the present, which the Bishop of Landaff, with great propriety, terms 'The Age of Infidelity', the above must present itself to public view, as a question of the first importance. Through the medium of the Press, the writings of Godwin fall into almost every hand; it is therefore a public duty to examine their tendency.'

Morning Chronicle

2136. February 22, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Are not the writings of Helvetius, Godwin, Holcroft, and other Philosophers of the New School, calculated to destroy the Happiness of Mankind; and shake the foundation of all Civil Society?'

Morning Chronicle

2137. February 26, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Do public and private Theatrical Representations tend more to vitiate or improve the Morals of Mankind?'

Morning Herald

2138. March 5, 1798 Westminster Forum

'In this age of conjugal depravity, ought the singular conduct of Crook the Taylor, as displayed in a recent Crim. Con. Trial, to be shunned as a mean and mercenary exposure of Female Frailty; or imitated, as a virtuous and laudable communication to an injured Husband?'

Morning Chronicle

2139. March 8, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which are more frequently the Seducers - the Men or the Women?'

Morning Chronicle March 5

2140. March 12, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which of the following Qualifications will most effectually ensure to a Lady a good Husband - Beauty, Riches, or Understanding?'

Morning Herald

2141. March 14, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Do the Talents, Virtues, and Vices of Man depend upon his Organization, or are they the Result of his Education?'

Debate opened by Mr. J. Gale Jones.

Morning Herald March 12/Morning Chronicle

2142. March 15, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Can any real or supposed advantages, resulting to Mankind from the study of Anatomy, form an excuse for the present practice of disturbing the remains of the dead, and agonizing the feelings of the living, by robbing Church yards and Burial Grounds?'

Morning Herald March 22

2143. March 19, 1798 Westminster Forum, Brewer Street, Golden Square

'Do public and private Theatrical Entertainments tend more to vitiate or improve the Morals of Mankind?'

Morning Herald

2144. March 21, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Do the Talents, Virtues, and Vices of Man depend upon his Organization, or are they the Result of his Education?'

Morning Herald March 19

2145. March 22, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Can any real or supposed advantages, resulting to Mankind from the study of Anatomy, form an excuse for the present practice of disturbing the remains of the dead, and agonizing the feelings of the living, by robbing Church yards and Burial Grounds?'

Morning Herald March 19

2146. March 26, 1798 Westminster Forum

PREVENTION of STEALING DEAD BODIES

'Would it not be consistent with the justice of any Civilized State become an adequate Remedy for the Robbery of Burial Grounds - and tend to the prevention of Duelling and Suicide - if the Bodies of all Persons guilty of those Crimes, were delivered to the Surgeons for Dissection?

On the present occasion we again respectfully solicit the attendance of those Medical Gentlemen who so ably defended their profession. Will they pardon one solicitation - That they would recommend their Pupils to refrain from those clamorous - we might say rude, interruptions of Gentlemen who opposed them? It is the triumph of reason, and not that of unmanly interruption, which should adorn the victorious combattants of a rational literary Assembly.'

Morning Chronicle

2147. March 29, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Do public and private Theatrical Entertainments tend more to vitiate or improve the Morals of Mankind?

The Decision . . . was (almost unanimously) in favour of the Morality of the Stage.'

Morning Herald/Morning Chronicle April 4

2148. April 2, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which is more likely to terminate in an happy Marriage (or in any Marriage at all) a long or a short Courtship?'

Morning Herald

2149. April 3, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which is more desirable - to be alive to all the keen feelings of sensibility, or, wrapt in Stoical apathy, to remain indifferent to the miseries of mankind?'

Morning Herald April 2

2150. April 4, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which is the primary cause of the immorality of the age - the Licentiousness of Female Opera Dancers - the Infidel Notions disseminated in the Lower Classes - or the Sunday Routs, Concerts, and Card Parties held among the Persons of Fashion?

It will remain with the higher orders of the fashionable world, or those who advocate them, to prove that the example of the Nobleman who violates the Sabbath hath not a tendency to vitiate the morals of the poorest peasant.'

Morning Herald April 3

2151. April 5, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which forms the surer basis of Human Happiness, the lasting Comforts of Friendship, or the captivating Joys of Love?'

Morning Herald April 4

2152. April 7, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which, to a Lady of Prudence and Virtue would prove the least Marriageable Evil, a Spendthrift, a Miser, a Clown or a Fop?'

The audience voted almost unanimously in favour of the Clown.

Morning Herald April 5/Morning Chronicle April 9

2153. April 9, 1798 Westminster Forum

THE REV. MR. HUNTINGTON A MAN OF GOD; or, a WOLF in SHEEP'S CLOTHING 'Is Mr. Huntington a Credit, or a Disgrace, to the venerable name of Methodist?

What man that feels the importance of revealed truth, but must be roused to indignation at declaring that eminent Servant of the Most High, Mr. John Wesley, "an agent of the Devil, while on Earth - and now suffering with the damned in Hell", asserting "that Infants (nay even those unborn) may be in a state of perdition", and finally damning, without distinction, the men who adore the British Constitution, but who dislike the present Ministry, with those who would promote its ruin. We think it a duty to mention, that Mr. Huntington (notwithstanding his present sentiments) was, not many months since, one of the most virulent, impudent abusers of the Bishops, and the whole discipline of the Church of England, that ever mounted a pulpit. What has wrought this wonderful change? He surely does not imagine that a pair of lawn sleeves can be an appropriate covering for a Coal Sack! Be that as it may, it is not our business to arraign his vanity in this advertisement.'

Decided by a considerable majority that the doctrines of Mr. Huntington are a disgrace on the name of Methodist.

Morning Chronicle April 9/12

2154. April 12, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is it probable that the Moon is inhabited by Beings like the Earth?

Whether the Planetary World is, or is not inhabited, is a subject that has employed the talents of the Wise and Scientific from Newton down to Walker - We respectfully solicit the presence and opinion of those Gentlemen who have made the motions and laws of the Heavenly Bodies their peculiar study: and hope, at least, to produce a discussion not altogether unworthy of the Public ear.'

Morning Herald

2155. April 16, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which is the more grievous calamity, a bad Husband, or a bad Wife?

A Court Leet of Hymen, to determine all Matrimonial Disputes, when a Jury (half Males and half Females) will be duly impannelled. Thither are Men and their Wives (having any complaints against each other) are desired forthwith to repair, and state their several Grievances, in order that they may be duly redressed. N.B. Old Maids and Bachelors admitted below the Bar and Widows into the Gallery.'

Morning Herald

2156. April 16, 1798 London Forum

'Are the Opinions of Mrs. Wolstencroft Godwin true - that Women are equal in Intellect to Men; and that an equal Participation of Rights and Privileges would tend to promote Female Happiness, and ameliorate Society?

The Managers of this Institution feel it a duty they owe Society, and more particulary the Fair Sex, to submit to Public Discussion, a Question, which includes the leading Propositions of a Work every day rising in Public Estimation; they also beg leave to inform the Public, that a Pupil of the late Mrs. Wolstencroft Godwin will most assuredly defend her tenets. This Lady would have delivered her Sentiments on the discussion of a similar Subject, which took place lately in the City, had it not been for the seclusive rules of the Institution; and we have also been desired to add, that our Fair Correspondent is entirely unacquainted with any other Female Speaker. We have also been promised by the leading Members of the School of Eloquence, and other Gentlemen of the first literary eminence, their support on this evening.'

Morning Herald

2157. April 19, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which displayed the greater Despotism, the Crowned Heads, who combined in the Plunder of Poland, or the French Directory in their recent Barbarous and Perfidious Treatment of the Swiss and Cisalpine Republics?'

Morning Herald April 16

2158. April 23, 1798 Westminster Forum

'In which situation do the Fair Sex appear more lovely in the eyes of Man, and act more consistently with the design of their Creator - when confining themselves to the domestic duties of the Wife and the Mother - or when writing Histories, Plays, Romances &c. and pursuing the attainment of those masculine functions, for which the adherents of the late Mrs. Woolstonecroft contend they are by nature qualified?'

Morning Herald

2159. April 26, 1798 Westminster Forum

'In which situation do the Fair Sex appear more lovely in the eyes of Man, and act more consistently with the design of their Creator - when confining themselves to the domestic duties of the Wife and the Mother - or when writing Histories, Plays, Romances &c and pursuing the attainment of those masculine functions, for which the adherents of the late Mrs. Woolstonecroft contend they are by nature qualified?'

Morning Herald

2160. April 30, 1798 Westminster Forum

FEMALE VOLUNTEERS - JUDGES - MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT - JURORS

'Would it increase the happiness of the Fair Sex, and promote the general advantage of Society, if Ladies were actually invested with all those privileges and offices for which the late Mrs. Woolstonecraft contended they are by nature and propriety qualified?'

Morning Chronicle

2161. May 2, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Would not the Fair Sex be justifiable in pronouncing a public vote of censure on every Man who voluntarily continues unmarried till after the age of 30?'

Morning Chronicle April 30

2162. May 3, 1798 Westminster Forum

ASTROLOGY, commonly called FORTUNE TELLING

'Is it possible to foretell the good or evil Fortunes of mankind by the Stars which rule at the hour of Birth?

A Gentleman who has had some of the most extraordinary occurrences possible in his life, thus throws down the gauntlet to any Astrologer, publicly to cast his Nativity - and inform the Audience (if he can) of the circumstances.'

Morning Chronicle

2163. May 7, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Ought Baron Swedenburgh to be considered an artful and blasphemous Imposter - or a Prophet divinely inspired by the Almighty?'

Question sent by 'a Divine who has attended Mr. Proud's Lectures at the New Jerusalem Temple'.

Morning Chronicle May 3

2164. May 9, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Are the boasted Liberties of the French Republic real or imaginary?

In a season like this, of acknowledged darkness and dismay, of impending peril and calamity, the Managers of the Westminster Forum would in their own opinion, be as far from discharging their duty to the Public, as from gratifying their feelings as Englishmen, did they not, on this occasion, particularly remind the Disputants of that fixed and invariable law of the Society, which prohibits any Remarks on the Government and Constitution of this country.'

Morning Herald

2165. May 10, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is it possible to foretell the good or evil Fortune of Mankind by the Stars which rule at the Hour of Birth?'

Morning Herald May 9

2166. May 14, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Are the boasted Liberties of the French Republic real or imaginary?'

Audience decided that those Liberties were imaginary.

Morning Herald

2167. May 16, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which enjoys the happiest situation, the blooming Virgin, surrounded by admirers; the amiable Wife, employed in the instruction of her offspring; or the sprightly Widow, exulting in her deliverance from a tyrant?'

Morning Herald May 14

2168. May 17, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is the following remark true or erroneous - Rakes when they marry and reform, make the best of Husbands?'

Morning Herald May 14

2169. May 21, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which have acted more consistently with the Christian Character - the Rev. Mr. Rowland Hill, Mr. Wilks and the great Body of Methodists, in supporting the Missionary Society - or the Rev. Mr. Huntington, and others, in their virulent Opposition to the Measure?

The attempt to civilize the heathen world, by conveying to them the blessings of Christianity, is now generally known, and as generally approved. Mr. Huntington, has however, thought proper on this, as on many other occasions, to evince that bitter acrimonious Spirit for which he is so eminently distinguished. - He has pronounced the Missionary Society - "One of the Devil's Rattles"! We think Mr. Rowland Hill, with much propriety observed, "That such a mind must be equally lost to the glory of God and the good of man". However, we do not wish to prejudge Mr. Huntington.'

Morning Chronicle

2170. May 24, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is it possible for human Ingenuity to vindicate the Conduct of France toward America?'

Morning Chronicle May 21

2171. May 26, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is it possible for Persons who have lost the object of their first Love, either by death, marriage, or accident, ever to regard another with equal affection?'

Morning Herald

2172. May 28, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is it probable a Lawyer can be an Honest Man?'

Morning Herald

2173. May 31, 1798 Westminster Forum

PUBLIC MEN FIGHTING DUELS

'Can any possible provocation, on public or private occasions justify Men, whose Lives are valuable to the Community, in fighting Duels?'

Morning Chronicle

2174. June 4, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which is the greater crime, deliberately to seduce and abandon female virgin innocence, or to artfully alienate a wife's affections from her husband; and violate the Marriage Covenant?'

Morning Herald

2175. June 7, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is the following generally received opinion, a truth or a vulgar error; women when completely depraved, are capable of greater wickedness than men?

This being one of those Occasions in which the Powers of Female Intellect are loudly demanded in Favour of the Sex, it is hoped that one if not both of the Ladies who have addressed the polite Audience who support this Society, will again advocate Female Virtue with the captivating Exertions of Female Eloquence.'

Morning Herald

2176. June 11, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Who approach nearest to the Purity of Primitive Christianity - the Quakers, the Methodists, the Dissenters, the Church of Rome, or the Church of England?'

Morning Herald June 7

2177. July 16, 1798 Westminster Forum

'In a comparative Review of the Pleasures and Pains of Existence, which enjoys more happiness, Man or Woman?

The above Question was transmitted to the Managers from a celebrated public Female Character: conceiving it one of those themes which amuse while they instruct, and possess the power to captivate for the moment, and yet strike some moral truths home to the heart, they have produced it thus early. . . Indeed, this Question appears peculiarly adapted to that [female] eloquence, which, if it yield the palm, on some occasions, to masculine energy, on others, rises superior in brilliancy of thought, and all the captivating powers of original fancy.'

Subscriptions for Admission the whole Season 1. 11s. 6d.

Morning Herald

2178. July 23, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Do not the French appear to be the blind instruments in the hands of Almighty Providence for the Destruction of Popery, the Calling of the Jews, and the Fulfillment of those great Events recorded in Scripture Prophecy?'

Morning Herald

2179. July 30, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is the Idea of First Love a delusion of warm imaginations, or a permanent Prepossession of the Mind, of which Persons seldom or ever divest themselves through Life?

It has long been held in doubt by those who have made the theory of the human mind their study, whether those persons who assert "That a First Impression of Love can never be totally erased from the Heart", are not romantic characters who deceive themselves. This Question fairly meets that doubt - And, without attempting to prejudice the subject, we think we are warranted in asserting that some of the most deplorable evils in existence may be ascribed to this idea, whether real or imaginary. Of this the unfortunate Hammond, the still more unfortunate Hackman, and many other examples, both ancient and modern, might be adduced as most lamentable instances.'

Morning Herald

2180. August 9, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Do the Vices of Society arise more from the Pride and Profligacy of the Rich, or from the Ignorance and Depravity of the Poor?

From the present question much is expected. How freely do some writers arraign the Vices and Follies of the Great! with what severity do others condemn the Conduct of the Poor!'

Morning Herald

2181. August 13, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which have proved themselves the greatest Ornaments of the Stage, and the genuine Representatives of human nature - Messr. Garrick, Palmer, Mossop, Barry, Sheridan, Mrs. Crawford, Mrs. Yates, Mrs. Pope, and the Actors and Actresses of the Old School; or Messr. Kemble, Pope, Holman, Lewis, Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Siddons, and those of the New?'

Morning Herald August 9

2182. August 16, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Can any possible Circumstances justify a Woman in marrying one Man while she loves another?

After the example of Mrs. Farmer (the present Mrs. Powell), Miss Smith, and other eminent Literary and Dramatic Ladies who have honoured this Institution by a display of Female Excellence, our fair Correspondent, has nothing to fear either from the charge of impropriety in herself, or want of candour in the public. And, with every respect due to her merit and her sex, we wait the event of her choice.'

Morning Herald

2183. August 20, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Which enjoys the greater Portion of Happiness, the blooming Virgin, surrounded by Admirers - the amiable Wife, employed in the care of her Offspring - or the sprightly Widow, exulting in her deliverance from a Tyrant?'

Morning Herald August 16

2184. October 10, 1798 London Forum, Capel Court

'Is the Doctrine maintained by the late celebrated Soame Jenyns, in his View of the Internal Evidence of the Christian Religion, founded on Scripture, and countenanced by Reason, viz. That those who are actuated by the boasted Principles of Valour, Patriotism, and Friendship, may be virtuous and honest men, but cannot be Christians?'

Morning Herald

2185. October 22, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is Learning a desirable Qualification in a Wife?'

Morning Herald

2186. October 25, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Do not the last dying words of the late Mr. J. Palmer, "O God! there is another and a better world!" contain the only sentiment which can enable us to bear the evils of this life with fortitude?'

Subscriptions for the whole Season (price one Guinea).

Morning Herald October 22

2187. November 1, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Will the sum of human happiness be increased or diminished, if Buonaparte should wrest Egypt from the Porte, and restore the ancient Liberties of the Grecian Republics?'

Morning Herald

2188. November 5, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is the opinion of the celebrated Mr. Addison true, "A bad Husband may be reformed by an amiable Wife, but bad Wives are incorrigible"?'

Morning Herald November 1

2189. November 8, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is the assertion of Mr. Addison true, "that a bad Husband may be reformed by an amiable Wife, but bad wives are incorrigible"?

Mr. Addison is an Author who ranks high among the Literati of this country. To a mind rich in all the stores of knowledge, he united a genius, equalled by few, excelled by none. His Moral Essays, in the Spectator, must endear him to every lover of virtue; and his unaffected exemplary piety transmits a reverence, inseparable from his name, to succeeding generations.'

Morning Herald

2190. November 12, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Does the clause of Obedience, in the Marriage Ceremony, bind a Wife to obey her Husband at all times?'

Morning Herald

2191. November 15, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Ought the Truth to be spoken at all Times?'

Morning Herald November 12

2192. November 29, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is it true that any Ghosts or Departed spirits ever did appear to a Mortal in this World?'

Morning Herald

2193. December 3, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Ought not the Violation of a solemn Promise of Love given to one virtuous woman, to render a man ineligible to marry any other?

The Public are respectfully apprised, that to accommodate the Gentlemen belonging to the School of Garrick (a private Theatrical Society held in this place) the Westminster Forum will in future be held on Mondays and Fridays.

Morning Herald

2194. December 7, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Would General Pichegru (under all the circumstances of his banishment) be justifiable in turning his arms against the French Republic?'

Morning Herald December 3

2195. December 10, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Do not the circumstances of Mr. Tone's suicide confirm the celebrated axiom of Dr. Johnson, "That in no case is any human being justifiable in committing the dreadful act of Self-Slaughter"?'

Morning Herald

2196. December 14, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Does that exclusion from society, and forfeiture of character, which women of reputation stick to the first act of female frailty, operate more powerfully to keep the sex virtuous, or render them desperate in vice?'

Morning Herald December 10

2197. December 29, 1798 Westminster Forum

'Is it true that any ghosts or departed spirits ever appear to a mortal in this world?'

Morning Herald